1. Endorphins Rachel LeBeau

2. Endorphins? Chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters 3 major types Regulate production and reception of serotonin & dopamine – Decrease nerve impulses caused by anxiety Found in the pituitary gland

3. How does it work? Transmit electrical signals within the nervous system – Relay positive and negative messages Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions – Temporary lack of pain Non addictive – No withdrawal symptoms when worn off

4. Behavior Good Physical Health Endorphins are produced by wide variety of events and substances – Exercise – Laughing – Crying – Yawning – Massage – Orgasms Depression Endorphins are not absorbed normally – Brain & Spine Physical problem with endorphin reception Elevated levels of endorphins – Do not feel them – Free Floating

5. Did you know? Acting like painkillers, endorphins are 3 times more powerful then morphine – Morphine and codeine act like endorphins Stress & pain are 2 most common factors leading to the release of endorphins Drumming may cause endorphin levels to rise